Mr. Morgan’s example

Sunday

Sep 30, 2012 at 6:00 AM

Paul S. Morgan told his family to celebrate, not mourn, after he was gone. His family, friends and colleagues will do precisely that on Nov. 18, with a party at the Higgins Armory, one of the many institutions with which Mr. Morgan was associated during a long and distinguished career that combined family, business and community interests.

Mr. Morgan, who died last Sunday at age 88, enjoyed a life that was, by any measure, extraordinary. After graduation from Harvard University, he served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, joined the family business, Morgan Construction Company, in 1947, and spent the next half-century in active service to the Worcester and Shrewsbury communities, as a businessman and city and town official. He led the Worcester Charter Commission, was active in politics, raised his family, was involved in numerous clubs, and pursued his hobbies with enthusiasm. He remained active in Worcester and elsewhere following his move to Duxbury in 1990, and long after he had formally retired in 2004.

In 1989, Mr. Morgan and his wife, Anne, were honored with the Isaiah Thomas Award for distinguished community service, one of the rare occasions when Worcesterís most prestigious civic honor has been given to a couple.

Mr. Morganís life was indeed in the mold of the great industrialists of the cityís past, individuals who lead lives of meaning and purpose, and leave Worcester and the other places they touch much better than they find them.

It is often said, upon the passing of such a person, that society will not see their like again.

We beg to differ. The example of excellence left by figures such as Paul S. Morgan inspires others to carry on their work in ways that, while different, are no less valuable. As much as he will be missed, Mr. Morgan leaves a legacy to both celebrate and emulate.

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